Under the supervision of Umêd Khoshnaw, Governor of Erbil, a heartfelt ceremony was held at Salahaddin University’s Cultural Center to honor the remarkable contributions of Dr. Mohammed Aziz Zaza. The event brought together artists, writers, poets, journalists, friends, and colleagues to celebrate the life and work of this distinguished artist, university professor, writer, researcher, and music critic.
Farhang Ghafour, General Director of Culture and Arts of Erbil, delivered the speech on behalf of the Erbil Governorate. He praised Dr. Zaza’s enduring influence on the advancement of music arts and highlighted his many academic contributions that have enriched Kurdish culture and brought pride to the people. The speech concluded with warm wishes for Dr. Zaza’s continued success, good health, and well-being.
In a moving moment, Governor Umêd Khoshnaw presented Dr. Zaza with the Golden Award of Erbil Governorate, recognizing his lifetime of dedication and achievement in music.
Born in 1944 in Qamishlo, Western Kurdistan, Dr. Zaza pursued his education with great determination, earning his diploma in 1976, master’s degree in 1983, and doctorate in Czechoslovakia. In 2002, he founded the Music Department at Salahaddin University’s Academy of Fine Arts and served as its head until his retirement in 2014.
Throughout his career, Dr. Zaza authored dozens of research papers, articles, and critiques on Kurdish and international music, writing in Arabic, Kurdish, Czech, and French. His work continues to inspire musicians, scholars, and music lovers throughout the region.
The ceremony was not just a celebration of an individual, but a tribute to a life spent in harmony with the arts and a lasting legacy that will influence generations to come.
